What's the difference between a wedge shaft and an iron shaft?

[gordo865]

This is something that has been kind of murky in my understanding. I don't really understand what the differences between the two are and what the pros and cons of choosing one or the other are. Can anyone explain this to me?

[bwdial]

If I'm not mistaken, wedge shafts have a bit more flex in them to allow players to spin the ball a little bit more.  I think that pros generally use iron shafts in their wedges, but the wedge shafts work better for the rest of us.

Of course, I could be mistaken.

[mlf16507]

http://www.oobgolf.com/content/the+wedge+guy/5-4893-Another_Visit_About_Wedge_Shafts.html

Hopefully this article helps!

[moparman426]

Originally Posted by bwdial

I think that pros generally use iron shafts in their wedges, but the wedge shafts work better for the rest of us.

Of course, I could be mistaken.

Typically, it's an 8-iron shaft, butt-trimmed to wedge length.  Not sure about the "Pros", but it's quite a common procedure.

[Shorty]

Generally stiff flex.

[dmnoland]

I've always been told that wedge flex is just like uniflex, right between regular and stiff. Is that not right?

[WUTiger]

This has been a recurring topic here on ST.

Many of the Wedge Flex shafts are S200 or S300; some of the Nike wedges had S400 shafts. Idea was shorter wedge shafts did not feel as "stiff" as they would on longer clubs.

True Temper has the DG Spinner (flexible joint below the grip) and traditional Spinner. These are recommended for players who hit mainly partial shots with their wedges. Basically, they have a higher flex point - stiffer at butt end - for a lower launch, and softer tip area for more backspin.

Other companies which offer wedge-specific shafts include Nippon NS Pro, KBS, and XCaliber.

Players with Cleveland wedges can probably skip reshafting to Spinners: Cleveland TRAction Wedgflex shafts have the same swing dynamics as DG Spinner, minus the flexible joint segment. Here's shaft dynamics for TRAction, courtesy of Cleveland:

If you have some time, go through this four-year running thread on wedge flex shafts - 77 entries:

http://thesandtrap.com/t/5847/wedge-shaft-flex-vs-stiff-flex-spinners-etc